The biggest and best surprise was seeing the final product. Was that really me? How did I put it all together well enough to be entertaining?

I blame the editors. If you trust them, they will bring out the best in a work.

Sure, it’s hard to rewrite sections, or remove them. To change a word choice for something that seems wrong at the time (and turns out to be exactly what the story needed). Or to expand a thought. Or to hear the truth and know there’s a load of work ahead.

The learning process can be exhausting—emotionally and mentally. A good editor is worth more than I can explain here. So I say trust them. Not with just what happens above but with sharing your vision. Team up.

It’s all right to tell them how you feel. Especially if it’s important to you. Remember to pick your battles and always with respect.

After my experience, I understand all stories are team effort. Yet I still get a little thrill when I look back at the process. It is the one time (hopefully of many) that proves someone loves and believes in your work.

It’s okay to be excited. And I was!

My genre of choice is the mystery. I’ve incorporated it in fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, and cozy so far. I’ve had fun building the story and even more fun executing it.

Care to read something of mine. Well, try this short freebie: Dragon Eye

98 responses to “IWSG 40: The words began with me…”

Even in writing, it takes a village. It’s important for writers to understand just how essential editors are to our writing. As for me, the fun begins in the space between 0 and 1. The moment between when a tiny, kernel of an idea first becomes tangible before exploding with characters, plots, settings, etc. It’s exciting and turbulent and whether it’ll continue to expand until one ‘the end,’ I can’t help but to anticipate.

You are so right. The Editor’s eyes are fresh and we must be open to accepting some changes because the suggestions are always to improve the story. You deserve to be surprised at how well your book turned out. Congrats!JQ Rose

Of course, my fun comes from the final product. 🙂 I do some proofreading and I agree that it is a team effort. Sometimes our eyes and minds play tricks on us and I think editors are a must. Keep up the good work.
sherry @ fundinmental

My fun begins when I dream up a story or scene in my head. It goes away once I start putting the words on paper. After lots of edits and tons of crit partner comments, the story begins taking shape and the fun returns. Hate the in-between part though.

Editors definitely make my work better! My problem with my freelance writing work is when you get a client who doesn’t know how to tell you what he/she wants–but they sure know how to tell you what you did wrong. And then you have to try to guess what they’re looking for while revising. At least editors can guide you in the right direction.

Congratulations!!! Lady! Editors are so important. They make the difference between a good book and a great book. So, brag on! Be proud. I’m happy for you. And just wait until my book comes out, you’re going to hear a loud scream.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia Everything Must Change

Yes indeed, it’s hard to get feedback that indicates a long road ahead, especially when I thought I had already reached my destination. But that kind of feedback is what I need to reach my publication goals.

I enjoy the editing process. It seems easier than the first writing. The story is there and I just have to wrestle it into the best clothes I can fit it into! With my first experience with publishing, I can say it’s very, very nice to have another set of eyes (or many sets) looking at a story. Blinders get slipped on, unintentionally, and it gets harder and harder to see the nit-picky mistakes in your own writing.

I do love mysteries. My guilty pleasure is cozy mysteries, especially ones set in England or in tea shops 😀 I do find my freedom, though, when I’m allowed to dip my characters into a dark world and let them battle things out. That’s when my fun begins: when the battle starts raging!

I so agree about editors. I’d never publish anything without having it professionally edited. Someone (above) mentioned it takes a village. That is so right. Even though I self-publish, I have many people who help make the story so much better.

I like to gripe about editors when I’m in the midst of dealing with the problems they identified, but my work is always the stronger for the attention, even if I sometimes wish I hadn’t asked! @mirymom1 fromBalancing Act

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I wish I could have your experience with an editor. So far, I haven’t met one who connects with my work, but I’m trying out a new one soon. Hopefully, this will be the one.
As for me, the fun begins when I’m outlining the story. I’m not yet bogged down with sentence structure, dialog, or transitions, but I get to work out all the details, from beginning to end, of the new story I’m working on.

Hi, Anna! Making the very late rounds tonight as an IWSG member. I’m very happy to be here in your province. One of my sisters has published two books ~ one came with a fabulous editor and the other was a disaster. I think it was the difference between a great, established publishing company and another that has gone under. I think a great editor is worth his or her weight in gold. Sharp, fresh eyes have always improved my writing. Happy writing in September!

I’d love to work with a truly great editor from beginning to end of the process of creating a book. It’s the one reason I envy trad-pubbed authors who’re signed to massive publishing companies. They must learn so much! I learn from all feedback, good and bad, and relish it all whether I agree with it or not. Recently someone bounced over my story wearing Docker boots– *ouch!–but his ideas improved it so much.

The trick is to find a good match…the editor who is right for your specific book…and then build a solid relationship with the editor. 🙂
I wonder what’s the formula for finding the perfect editor for a book?

I love all the editors I’ve had working on my stories. And my beta readers. I don’t always want to hear it, and even sometimes, don’t take the suggestion, but it always leads to me improving the story.

It makes such a world of difference getting other people’s views on your work. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to take their feedback on board, but it can make a huge difference when you’re open to what a fresh set of eyes can see that you can’t.